voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering
voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering
voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering
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Meet Susie, One of Our Footcare Volunteers
Created: 20/04/2026
Please note: This volunteering item was uploaded some time ago and may have expired. Please contact us to find out more.
News/Events Category: Volunteering
This item will show under the following categories: Health and Social Care
Name: Susie WhitenRole: Footcare Fife volunteerAge: 77"I have been a Footcare Fife volunteer for around 10 years and I really enjoy providing this kind, simple service for people who cannot manage to cut their own toenails. I find it is really worthwhile; firstly because the people I meet are so happy and grateful to get help and secondly, I find it very satisfying to serve and be useful to the community I live in.
"Perhaps surprisingly, trimming toenails turns out to be really enjoyable. The actual process isn’t difficult and there was plenty of help at hand until I built up experience. People who attend our clinics are unable to cut their own nails and are so relieved to find a solution to that problem. But the most important aspect for me is meeting and talking to so many lovely people. In a 30 minute appointment there’s plenty of time to chat about all sorts of things, whether they are general or personal. I’ve listened to some wonderful life stories and have shared both joy and grief.
"I find it very satisfying to serve and be useful to the community I live in."
"Footcare Fife was developed in 2014 at a time when NHS Podiatry announced they could no longer provide a toenail cutting service. NHS Podiatry and Fife Voluntary Action (FVA) got together to set up a number of clinics across Fife to provide an affordable, basic toenail cutting service for members of the general public who have difficulty in cutting their own nails. The clinics are staffed by volunteers who are provided with training, equipment and support. I joined Footcare as a volunteer in 2016 after I retired from my teaching career after I approached FVA about volunteering. I was expecting to help in the food bank or possibly the library. However, I was asked if I felt I could cut toenails! I was very surprised but agreed to ‘give it a go’. I am still ‘giving it a go’ after almost 10 years and still thoroughly enjoying it!
"I really love interacting with the clients. Mainly they are unable to cut their own nails and are having difficulty finding someone to help. They are so relieved to attend the clinics and without exception are very grateful.
"I love interacting with the clients and hearing stories about their lives."
"I have certainly learned how to communicate better and to encourage people who perhaps live alone or are restricted in their everyday lives to chat about themselves. I like to take an interest in the stories of their lives. I also find that it helps me, to take a pride in what I'm doing.
"The FVA staff supply all the instruments and materials I need for the service and staff are always very supportive. Initially I was trained by a local volunteer until I felt sufficiently confident. Footcare Fife volunteers meet together to discuss hints and tips amongst ourselves. Occasionally, professional podiatrists attend our meetings to answer queries and keep us up to date.
"Without exception, clients go away cheery, feeling more comfortable and are very grateful. Of course, that’s very satisfying personally and boosts my own mood. There is plenty of evidence that performing small acts of kindness has a very positive effect on the mental health and wellbeing of those involved (check out Michael Mosely and his Just One Thing programme on Radio 4). It seems that being kind also supports and improves your immune system, who would have thought it? I am reminded of the Brownie Promise - “I promise to help other people and do a good deed every day”! It works for me… would you like to try cutting toe nails?"
Find out moreIf you or a service user would like to use the Footcare Fife service, please contact us on 0800 389 6046.
Full details and a list of venues can be found here: Footcare Fife
Volunteer with Footcare Fife
If Susie's story has inspired you to volunteer, then we'd love to hear from you! We have 9 clinics across Fife, so we can find one that's closest to you.
Find out more about the service here: Footcare Fife
To chat about the opportunity, please e-mail [email protected] or call 0800 389 6046.
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